Amnesty International urges Indian Govt to stop bulldozing Muslim targets

In the wake of recent demolition drives targeting Muslim-owned structures in Maharashtra's Thane district and Mumbai's Mohammed Ali Road, Amnesty International India has issued a strong condemnation, urging Indian authorities to cease discriminatory policies immediately.

The demolition in Mira-Bhayandar's Naya Nagar area, purportedly carried out by the civic body, has sparked outrage after it was reported that the structures razed belonged to Muslims. Although authorities cited the reason as illegal construction on nullahs and footpaths, activists on the ground claim that these demolitions are a part of a discriminatory pattern, especially following episodes of communal violence.

Aakar Patel, Chair of the board at Amnesty International India, expressed concern over the impunity with which such demolitions are conducted, calling it a violation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which India is a signatory.

Patel emphasized the need for safeguards against forced evictions and demanded adequate compensation for those affected without discrimination.

Aakar Patel said that the “impunity with which the Indian authorities have been enforcing their discriminatory de facto policy of arbitrarily and punitively demolishing Muslim properties following episodes of communal violence” was alarming.

The incident in Naya Nagar occurred amidst heightened tensions surrounding the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which itself has been a contentious issue due to its historical association with the Babri mosque demolition in 1992.

Furthermore, the subsequent demolition drive by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in Mohammed Ali Road, a Muslim-dominated locality, has added to the alarm raised by human rights organizations. The timing and targeting of these demolitions raise questions about the motive behind such actions.

While the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was celebrated by some, it has also reignited communal tensions in certain areas, leading to clashes and alleged retaliatory actions.

In response to these developments, Amnesty International India calls for a thorough investigation into the demolitions, ensuring accountability for those responsible, and implementing measures to prevent discriminatory practices targeting specific communities.

The Indian authorities are urged to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights principles, and refrain from using demolitions as a punitive measure against any community. Failure to address these concerns risks exacerbating communal tensions and undermining the country's commitment to democratic values and pluralism.